Former IDF Chief of Staff Benny Gantz is preparing for the next Knesset elections, apparently looking to start a new party. Towards this goal, he is meeting with the heads of the ‘Achi Yisrael’ party, which is headed by the head of the Yerucham Council, Michael Biton, and Mrs Edna Bar-Shalom, a daughter of Maran HaGaon HaRav Ovadia Yosef ZT”L.

According to a report appearing in Yediot Achronot, they have recently met to discuss possibilities, including teaming up together on a joint list. The report adds that they did not discuss positions on a joint ticket, but rather focused on the conceptual, running together as opposed to against one another. They did however discuss names of persons being considered for the joint list as well as placement on the list according to faction should a deal be reached.

Biton explains the connection with Gantz first began due to an educational program he initiated since retiring from the IDF. He explains as a result of this program, he has learned to respect the former IDF commander a great deal and views him a suited political leader and partner.

“We have an idea and a vision that is necessary for Israeli society, and I am open at any stage to partner with him in the political process as well, and we are talking about the vision for a new leadership for the State of Israel,” Biton told Yediot.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)